The vast, wild landscape of Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area offers visitors unparalleled opportunities to immerse themselves in the natural world, and experience the wonders of this extraordinary place. With over 120,000 acres, one can find an astounding diversity in ecosystems, wildlife, and more than 10,000 y
Free — you won’t need your pass here.
Free entry — there is no entrance fee here, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
- Fee type No fee — No fee is charged here.
- HoursBighorn Canyon NRA is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
- Source National Park Service ↗
- Last verifiedJuly 6, 2026 · Confirmed
- Official pagewww.nps.gov ↗
- Contact 3075485406 · BICA_media@nps.gov
Bighorn Canyon has two districts that are separated by a three hour drive. To get to the North District at Fort Smith, MT from Billings, take Interstate 90 south to Hardin, MT. Turn at exit 495 onto State Highway 313 to St. Xavier and then to Fort Smith, Montana. To get to the South District at Love
Common questions
Quick Yes / No / Depends answers for Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area — always confirm with the managing site before you go.
No Is there a fee at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area?
No — it’s free to enter, so you won’t need your pass to get in.
Yes Are there hiking trails?
Yes — trails here include Canyonmouth, Crooked Creek Bay trail, Horseshoe Campground Loop Trail, and more. Check length and difficulty before you go.
Yes Can you bike here?
Yes — biking is available at Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area. Confirm which roads or trails allow it.
Depends Can you ride OHVs or ATVs here?
Yes — off-highway vehicle use is among the activities here. Stay on designated routes and check any permit or registration rules.
Depends Can you bring a dog?
Usually only leashed and in developed areas, campgrounds, and paved paths — not on most trails or in buildings. Pet rules vary by park, so check first.
No Are drones allowed?
No — launching, landing, or operating drones is prohibited on National Park Service land.
Yes What are the hours?
Bighorn Canyon NRA is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Nearby sites
Deaver Reservoir
CheckReclamation honors the pass at only a handful of sites — confirm before you rely on it here.
Red Gulch/Alkali Backcountry Byway
CheckThis Bureau of Land Management site may charge a fee your pass covers — confirm before you go.
